Southeast Missouri State gymnasts fall at home to Michigan State

The Southeast Missouri State gymnasts turned in a strong performance in a 194.900-193.625 loss to Michigan State on Friday at Houck Field House.

Southeast posted its second-highest score of the season in the balance beam, the first event of the meet, at 48.775. Megan Fosnow and Bailey Walker tied for second in the event.

The Redhawks totaled 48.800 in the uneven bars, with Fosnow tying for first at 9.825.

The Redhawks held a 97.575-97.050 lead after the first two events.

Michigan State held a significant advantage in the balance beam, outscoring Southeast 48.800-47.525. The Redhawks' Taylor Penzien finished second at 9.775, which tied her career best.

The Spartans widened their lead in the floor exercise, which was the Redhawks' final event. Michigan State totaled 49.050, while Southeast scored 48.525. Ashley Thomas finished third for the Redhawks with a 9.825, which was a personal best.

Alyssa Tucker scored 38.100 in the all-around for Southeast.

The Redhawks competed without senior Taryn Vanderpool, who injured herself in the pre-meet warmup and was held out as a precautionary measure.

Southeast will host Illinois State at 1 p.m. today at the Show Me Center.

-- From staff report